Cahill racing clock for Honduras clash

TIM Cahill says there are "no promises" he will be available for Saturday's crunch World Cup playoff with Honduras, but no stone will be left unturned in trying.

Cahill left for the Central American state this morning wearing an icepack on his ankle even while walking into the airport, as he bids to overcome the soft-tissue damage sustained in an awkward fall during his club Melbourne City's loss to Sydney FC on Friday night.

Having been cleared of a fracture straight after the game, Cahill has had a pair of physiotherapists working incessantly on his ankle since in the hope he can play some role in the first leg on Saturday morning (AEDT).

Speaking to the media before he checked in, the Socceroos striker said he wanted to be in Honduras irrespective of playing, as a voice of experience during what is likely to be a pressurised build-up to the game.

Cahill’s ankle was heavily strapped. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Cahill admitted it was a "calculated decision" to fly, given the travel involved in both directions, but was adamant the prize made it an unarguable case.

"I'm not promising anything, but this is a massive opportunity for us, the chance to go to a fourth consecutive World Cup," he said. "We've made a calculated decision - if it works, fantastic.

"I've had 20 years of experience of injuries at the highest level, and you can speed processes up with round the clock work. On the plane I'll have my own ice machine.

"It's not my call (whether he plays) but I wouldn't put myself in any danger of harming myself.

Tim Cahill of Melbourne City after the injury.

"It's a massive two weeks for Australian soccer, but I wouldn't be doing it if I thought it was the wrong thing.

"I'll give it a go but if not I want to be in the trenches with my teammates. I was on the phone the other day talking to Mile Jedinak about what it was like in Uruguay (in 2005, when the players suffered a bombardment of hostility from home supporters).

"It'll be a real eye-opener for the guys in the squad, it'll be difficult for them having not been in this situation before."